The unmanned craft was due to make a soft landing on the Moon's south pole.

Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft has crashed into the Moon after spinning into an uncontrolled orbit, officials say.

The unmanned craft was due to make a soft landing on the Moon’s south pole, but failed after encountering issues as it moved into its pre-landing orbit.

It was Russia’s first Moon mission in almost 50 years.

The spacecraft was scheduled to land on Monday to explore a part of the Moon which scientists think could hold frozen water and precious elements.

Roskosmos, Russia’s state space corporation, said it lost contact with the Luna-25 shortly after running into difficulties.

  • @fernfrost
    141•1 year ago

    Sucks for the scientists / engineers.

    • @FecundpossumEnglish
      46•1 year ago

      I wonder how long until we start hearing about them “falling” out of windows.

    • @[email protected]
      30•1 year ago

      It’s probably too early for this to be a reason for the crash, but Russian brain drain after their full-scale Ukrainian invasion is real.

      • @uis
        5•1 year ago

        Brain-drain is going for last 20 years of Putin presidency

    • @paddirnEnglish
      6•1 year ago

      Any setback for science is a setback for humanity… but at the same time, Russia fucking up is not totally unexpected.

      • @uis
        4•1 year ago

        Well, if 80% of budget is stolen for new Rogozin’s mansion, I’m surprised it didn’t explode at lauch pad.